Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

February 04, 2011

Types of Linux Web Hosting

Linux is an open source operating system that can be installed on any personal computer, Web server, and a plethora of other digital devices that are compatible with operating systems. Linux, and its various 'flavors', also known as distributions, have become extremely popular in the web hosting industry due to their compatibility with programming languages and platforms such as PHP, MySQL, XML, and many others. As a result of its open-source compatibility, flexibility, and affordability, web hosting providers are currently selling more Linux web hosting plans than Windows web hosting plans. However, not every Linux web hosting plan is the same, as each version of Linux differs in its features and overall capabilities. The following information describes some of the main types of Linux used in web hosting.

CentOS

CentOS, also known as the “community enterprise” version of Linux, is known for its reliable and stable performance, which is perfect for the corporate hosting environment, and is therefore used by many online entrepreneurs and business owners. In fact, CentOS is said to be the backbone that led to the development of the ever so popular web hosting control panel – cPanel. Like many other distributions of Linux, CentOS is supported by a growing community of developers, and is based on  Red Hat Enterprise from Linux. CentOS is by far the most popular free enterprise class operating system available today.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is easily the most popular overall distribution of Linux, containing all of the basic applications and tools needed for web hosting and managing a personal computer, such as an office suite, web browser, instant messaging, and much more. Ubuntu also includes the most convenient features related to translations and accessibility in any operating system. Like other versions of Linux, Ubuntu is free and easy to install, and can be installed on virtually any personal computer or web hosting server. Ubuntu can be quickly downloaded from the official site and installed on a personal computer for a test drive, before being installed on a web server to be utilized as a web hosting operating system.

Kubuntu

Kubuntu is extremely similar to Ubuntu in terms of features, functionality, and administrative interfaces. Ubuntu is more commonly used by web application developers, programmers, software developers, and translators. The Kubuntu operating system is an extremely flexible computing environment that includes all of the features and tools needed for home and commercial use. As far as capabilities are concerned, Kubuntu is no more limited than the Ubuntu version of Linux.

Debian

Debian is one of the more recently developed versions of Linux. Being the protégé to Ubuntu and Kubuntu, Debian shares many of the same architectural and functional components, with similar user interfaces and application menus. Debian utilizes standard UNIX style commands, making this true GNU/Linux distribution sustainable and backwards compatible with UNIX-based technology for years to come. Debian is known for offering high-performance, even with low powered Web servers and personal computers such as outdated Pentium systems. Thus, it is possible to find extremely affordable web hosting plans that utilize the Debian distribution of the Linux operating system.

Tags: linux,  Linux Web Hosting,  Linux flavors,  CentOS,  Ubuntu,  Kubuntu,  Debian